FN: an abstract or physical product of human ingenuity focused on solving a problemSince the signing of these agreements , the United States has continuously expressed its opposition to the Bushehr deal because of fears that the deal could provide Iran with knowledge and technology to support a nuclear weapons program .Despite many technical delays ( misfit of original Siemens equipment with Russian technology ) and efforts by the United States to stall the project , frequently by lobbying the Russia government for the cancellation of the deal , most notably during the Gore - Chernomyrdin Commission meetings , the facility is nearing completion .Middle East Defense News reports that AKU has been used as a front company to purchase the following equipment from the United States : computers , Unix software , and training from NCR , Apple Computer , and Sun Microsystems , and neutron - shielding from Reactor Experiments , Inc . None of these technologies appears to be directly related to biological weapons .European firms have been targeted by Iranians for technology and equipment .For instance , the NRCGEB 's research in recombinant DNA technologies , genetic engineering , and DNA vaccine production could conceivably be utilized to increase the virulence or resistance of select pathogens .Furthermore , Iran clearly possesses technology useful for producing biological weapons ( as will be elucidated in the Facilities section of this profile ) .According to the National Council of Resistance of Iran , Iran has purchased dual - use equipment using the science and technology center at Amir Kabir University as a cover .Throughout the 1980s , the United States accused Germany of selling dual - use materials and technology to Iran .China has also been involved in several other sales to Iran , involving CW technology ; as a result , several Chinese companies and individuals have faced American sanctions .In recent years , China has been the principal source of CW precursors , as well as production technology .In 1995 , Asian- Ways, Ltd. World Co (Hong Kong) Ltd. and Mainway International Ltd. were sanctioned by the US State Department for supplying Iran with `` nerve gas technology . ''Iran 's interest in nuclear technology dates back to the US Atoms for Peace program .In the immediate aftermath of the revolution , Iran 's ambitious nuclear program fell apart due to the initial opposition by the Khomeini government to nuclear technology and because of the exodus of many of Iran 's nuclear scientists .Upon visiting suspected facilities in February 2003 , and with new declarations by Iran , the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) concluded that several sensitive technology facilities are either operational , under construction , or planned .A third approach might be a regional effort on the part of Arab states to pressure Iran to abandon sensitive technology and questionable activities in favor of a weapons - free zone in the Middle East .According to former head of AEOI , Akbar Etemad , the Shah 's interest in nuclear technology did not involve military applications , in fact the Shah `` considered it absurd , under the existing circumstances , to embark on anything else but a purely civilian program . ''The responsibility of the Research Division is to plan and guide all nuclear - related research projects and to develop peaceful nuclear technologies in Iran .China is a key supplier of CW equipment and technologies to Iran according to US Department of Defense .In an unclassified report to Congress , the DCI said that `` Chinese firms had supplied CW - related production equipment and technology to Iran , '' prior to July 1999 , and that evidence during the second half of 1999 `` suggests Iran continues to seek such assistance from Chinese entities , but it is unclear to what extent these efforts have succeeded . ''In June 1997 , the DCI reported that China , during July - December 1996 , provided `` considerable CW - related assistance '' to Iran , including production equipment and technology .On 8 March 1996 , the Washington Post reported , `` US intelligence officials have concluded that companies in China are providing Iran with several virtually complete factories suited for making deadly poison gases , '' and that Iranian `` military - related organizations '' are buying from China glass - lined vessels for mixing precursors , special air - filtration equipment , and the technology to manufacture these items and others indigenously .As part of this effort , agreements were reportedly concluded between Iran and the PRC during 1991, 1992 , and 1993 to provide Iran with technology , components , and complete M-9/11 missiles .This assistance has included the sale of production and missile component technologies , training of personnel , construction of the Shahrud Missile Test Facility , and the assembly and production of the M-7 ( a.k.a. , CSS-8 , 8610 or B610 ) .These programs rely heavily upon DPRK and Russian technology and assistance .Although since the late 1990s , DPRK technology and assistance have been declining as Russian has been increasing .China is believed to have assisted in the construction of a ballistic missile plant where scientists carry out research using Russian SS-4 ballistic missile technology and produce other ballistic missile technologies .Primary among these are : The continued willingness of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea ( DPRK ) , the People's Republic of China ( PRC ) , and Russia to provide Iran with both missiles and missile - related technology that at the very least exceed the intentions of the Missile Technology Control Regime ( MTCR ) .The ongoing ability and willingness of Iran to fund the development of missiles and missile - related technology in other countries ( e.g. , DPRK , Libya , and Syria ) .Technology transfer for new Iranian missiles and artillery rockets .It was during this period that Iran also approached both the DPRK and People's Republic of China ( PRC ) seeking missile technology and tactical ballistic missiles in the Scud-B class .Kazakhstani President Nazarbayev , however , has declared Kazakhstan 's commitment to the nonproliferation of BW and associated technologies .IAEA inspectors did not found either , though they did find imported equipment and technology at a number of previously secret nuclear facilities in and around Tripoli . North Korea has exported missiles , missile components , and technology to Egypt , Iran , Libya , Pakistan , Syria , and Yemen . Not a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime .Iran does not yet have the necessary infrastructure to support a nuclear weapons program , although is actively negotiating for purchase of technologies and whole facilities to support all of the above strategies .Chinese and Russian supply policies are key to whether Iran will successfully acquire the needed technology , expertise , and infrastructure to manufacture the fissile material for a weapon and the ability to fashion a usable device .The PRC is allegedly aiding Iran in the development of a nuclear bomb ( 5880 ) . ; according to French and US intelligence sources , the PRC supplied technology for Iran 's Isfahan reactor .The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran negotiates to purchase nuclear technology or expertise from India , following a 2/1/91 announcement by the Indian Atomic Energy Commission that India will seek to export its nuclear technology. ( 5511 , 5883 ) .Although Iran is making a concerted effort to attain an independent production capability for all aspects of its chemical weapons program , it remains dependent on foreign sources for chemical warfare - related technologies .China is an important supplier of technologies and equipment for Iran 's chemical warfare program .Germany is approving about 80 percent of applications for licenses to export dual - use technology to Iran .Iran has already received nuclear weapons technology from North Korea ( 7096,7401 ) .The US administration calls for a total embargo on nuclear technology to Iran , and urges other nuclear suppliers , including the PRC , to take similar action ( 6847 ) .US officials estimate 10 - 15 years , and say Iran is seeking a wide range of nuclear weapons technology ( 6906 , 6920 ) .These and other nuclear technology transfers were reportedly made under a cooperation agreement signed in the mid - 1980s .Iran 's Mojahedin opposition group reports that Iran requested nuclear warheads and uranium enrichment technology from the Chinese in a recent meeting with Chinese officials ( 7096 ) .On 1/2 , the Tajikistan parliament acknowedges that negotiations are underway with Iranian representatives for the sale of enriched uranium and uranium production technology .Hamyan Vahdati , who is said to be heading Iran 's nuclear program , says that no country can be taken seriously without a nuclear research program , and that Iran wants to have the technology and knowledge to make nuclear weapons in case it needs them ( 7284 ) .Pakistani deputy Prime Minister Hhosayn Haqani denies reports of an Iranian - Pakistani cooperation agreement on nuclear technology .He said Pakistan would not export nuclear technology ( 7212 ) .Reports state that Iran has received nuclear weapons technology from Brazil and India ( 7401 ) .Brazilian Brigadier General Hugo Piva may be working in Iran , and US reports say Iran may receive nuclear weapons technology from Brazil ( PPNN ) .Iran was seeking fuel - fabrication technology due to previous supply problems with the safeguarded low enriched uranium fuel shipped from Argentina ( under a previous contract ) for a research reactor supplied by the US in 1967 .It may supply uranium enrichment technology as well , although Iran says this would be used to produce low - enriched uranium only .Iran had attempted to utilize calutron technology to enrich uranium .Iranian agents are believed to be actively seeking deals to procure critical technologies .Pakistan denied the claims , and was reported to have rejected an Iranian offer to Pakistani former army chief of staff Mirza Aslam Beg to purchase weapons technology .Reports say Iran is working on laser enrichment technologies .If Iran can adequately demonstrate peaceful intentions for its nuclear program and allows IAEA inspections , nuclear power reactor technology trade restraints may be lifted .The US grants export licenses for $138 million worth of computers to Iran ; shipments of other nuclear - related technology , including a $130,000 oscilloscope , are also approved .IAEA Director General Hans Blix says he has no cause for concern regarding Iran 's attempts to acquire nuclear technology ( 6906 ) .Intelligence reports regarding Iran 's expansion of capabilities and persistent interest in acquiring new technologies have led the United States to seek other options in dealing with Iran as a regional threat .The United States then imposed extensive sanctions on Iran and successfully pressured Russia and other potential suppliers , mostly in Europe , to halt exports of sensitive dual - use nuclear technology to Iran , such as high - voltage switches that could trigger a nuclear weapon and specialized remote manipulators designed to handle heavy volumes of radioactive material and possibly intended for a uranium or plutonium reprocessing plant .In both countries , Hashemi - Rafsanjani secured increased military assistance and agreements to sell Iranian missiles and engage in bilateral missile technology exchanges .Although the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty ( NPT ) allows transfers of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes to non - nuclear weapon states , the United States has vehemently opposed the Russian - Iranian deal .It fears that the deal is being used as a cover for the transfer of more sensitive nuclear technology to Iran and to provide training for Iranian nuclear specialists that could be used to support a nuclear weapons program .Technology transfer and long - term assistance in the development of Iranian ballistic missiles and artillery rockets .Given its current state of technology and the problems associated with delivering a sophisticated BW agent , it is unlikely that Iran currently has the means to carry out a significant biological attack .Weapons programs can be based on indigenous ( i.e. , domestic ) production capabilities , or they can rely on foreign supplies and technologies .The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki used low - level nuclear weapons technology .Reports of exports and leakage of Russian missile technology to countries such as Iran , India , China , Libya , and North Korea have led to concerns that Russia is contravening its obligations as a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime ( MTCR ) .In the summer of 2002 , US intelligence reportedly discovered new evidence about transfers of HEU technology and/or materials from Pakistan in exchange for ballistic missiles .In early 2004 , Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr . A. Q. Khan revealed that he had sold gas - centrifuge technology to North Korea , Libya and Iran .The Tien Chi incorporates global positioning system technology and has an estimated payload of 100 - 500 kg. One report claims that as many as 50 Tien Chi missiles have been deployed on Tungyin Island and at an unidentified second location .Many analysts also argue that Pyongyang 's record of exporting ballistic missiles indicates that North Korea would also be willing to sell nuclear materials , technology , or complete nuclear weapons .Regardless of North Korean motivations toward South Korea and the United States , Pyongyang 's record of exporting ballistic missiles and missile production technology indicates that North Korea could also be willing to sell nuclear materials , technology , or even complete nuclear weapons .Second , there are reports that Kim Il Sung asked China to share its nuclear weapons technology following China 's first nuclear test in October 1964 , but Chairman Mao refused .By the early 1970s , North Korean engineers were using indigenous technology to expand the IRT- 2000 research reactor and Pyongyang began to acquire plutonium reprocessing technology from the Soviet Union .North Korea 's energy concerns make nuclear energy a legitimate rationale for nuclear power , and Pyongyang explored the acquisition of light water reactor technology in the early to mid - 1980s .Some of technology and equipment acquired during this period had dual - use applications for a uranium enrichment program that was not revealed until the late 1990s .The continued willingness of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea ( DPRK ) , the People's Republic of China ( PRC ) , and Russia to provide Iran with both missiles and missile-related technology that at the very least exceed the intentions of the Missile Technology Control Regime ( MTCR ) .QN : What countries have provided Iran with ballistic missiles and missile-related technology ?In 1986 , the Soviet government constructed a demonstration destruction facility in Chapayevsk that utilized neutralization and incineration technology .Tehran continues to seek considerable production technology , training , expertise , equipment and chemicals from entities in Russia and China that could be used to help Iran reach its goal [ of ] an indigenous nerve agent production capability .QN : Does Pakistan possess the technology to produce biological weapons ?He also declares that Iran is neither currently planning to build nuclear weapons nor will attempt to do so in the future , any nuclear technology will be applied to developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes .The continued willingness of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea ( DPRK ) , the People's Republic of China ( PRC ) , and Russia to provide Iran with both missiles and missile-related technology that at the very least exceed the intentions of the Missile Technology Control Regime ( MTCR ) .The post - apartheid government of South Africa implemented its nonproliferation and disarmament policy through the Non - Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act ( No. 87 of 1993 ) to control the transfer of sensitive items and technologies .A few terrorist groups active today are more motivated to carry out mass - casualty attacks , better organized to resist outside penetration , and are actively pursuing technologies and know-how relevant to CBW terrorism .If North Korea wishes to foster a viable chemical industry , a case could be made that its accession to the CWC would make long - term economic sense by giving it access to trade in treaty - controlled chemicals and technology .In any case , there certainly is no lack of information available about the moguls of technology now as they all become our current pop icons .Serious concerns remain about China 's proliferation of ballistic missile technology and its ability to control chemical items that could be used in the production of chemical weapons .China provided nuclear reactors and technology to several countries in the 1980s and early 1990s , including design information and fissile material that reportedly helped Pakistan develop nuclear weapons .China has provided technology and expertise to the missile programs of several countries , including Pakistan , Iran , and North Korea .Since the early 1990s , China has improved its export controls , including the promulgation of regulations on nuclear and nuclear dual - use exports and has pledged to halt exports of nuclear technology to un - safeguarded facilities .China has not joined the Missile Technology Control Regime ( MTCR ) , but has pledged to abide by its main parameters .In August 2002 , China issued regulations and a control list restricting the export of missiles and missile technology .Since 2004 , China has been engaged in consultation with the MTCR ; however , its application for membership has so far not been successful and suspicions , especially in the United States , about Chinese missile technology transfers remain .In 1996 , Syria began developing a plant to recover uranium from tri -superphosphates using a similar technology .It was the only European gateway to China , and through Macau flowed Western technology and religion .